Monaghan GAA

Monaghan GAA

Irish:	Muineachán
Province:	Ulster
Nickname(s):	The Oriel county, The Farney county
County colours:
Ground(s):	St. Tiernach's Park, Clones
Dominant sport:	Gaelic football
Competitions
NFL:	Division 1
NHL:	Division 3A
Hurling Championship:	Nicky Rackard Cup
Ladies' Gaelic football:	Brendan Martin Cup
Camogie:	Máire Ní Chinnéide Cup
Standard kit
Regular kit Change kit

The Monaghan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) (Irish: Cumann Luthchleas Gael Coiste Muineachán) or Monaghan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Monaghan and the Monaghan inter-county football and hurling teams. Separate county boards are responsible for the camogie and ladies' Gaelic football teams. Their current team sponsor is Investec.

Gaelic football

History

Gaelic football was recorded in Inniskeen in 1706 in a poem. Monaghan were prominent in Ulster championship competitions during the period 1914-30 and one of the first Ulster counties to contest an All Ireland final .

Monaghan beat Kildare in a semi-final to reach the 1930 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final, where Kerry beat them by 3-11 to 0-2 without their goalkeeper touching the ball.

In 1979 the Monaghan team won the Ulster Senior Football Championship for the first time in 41 years with a defeat of Donegal. In the final Monaghan Kieran Finlay scored 1-09, which was a record in an Ulster final for 20 years, until Armagh's Oisin McConville bettered it with a 2-07 tally against Down in 1999. They also won the Dr McKenna Cup in 1979. Victories in the Ceannarus Tournament against Roscommon and Dublin in 1979 brought gloss to the county's finest year on the football field in almost half a century. In the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 1979 semi-final at Croke Park, Monaghan were again beaten by Kerry, 5-14 to 0-07.

In 1984 the Centenary Cup final was reached following wins over Limerick, Mayo, Offaly (quarter final) and Derry (semi-final after extra time) The Offaly and Derry games were played in Croke Park as was the final against Meath which Monaghan lost by 0-10 to 0-08. Monaghan also won Division 3 of the National Football League that year and lost to Meath in the quarterfinal.

1985 was the county's most successful year to date when a National Football League final victory against Armagh in 1985 created a momentum that peaked in 1985 when future Monaghan manager Eamonn McEneaney kicked one of the most spectacular equalizing points in many years from 48 metres out near the sideline beside the Hogan stand to draw the thrilling All Ireland semi-final against Kerry on a scoreline of Monaghan 2-09 to Kerry's 1-12. Kerry won the replay on a 2-09 to 0-10 score.

That National football league title of 1985 was won by Monaghan on a 1-11 to 0-09 score against pre-match favourites Armagh. The game was effectively settled by an Eamon McEneaney penalty in the first half when referee John Gough from Antrim decided that an Armagh defender had taken too many steps in his own penalty area. Armagh got to within a point in the second half but a flurry of exceptional long range points from Bernie Murray, Eamon McEneaney and Ray McCarron brought the trophy to Monaghan for the first time ever.

That year's Ulster Senior Football Championship was also a stirring success. An easy first round victory over Donegal in Castleblayney, marked by a spectacular Eamon Murphy goal, followed by a lucky draw against Armagh in the semi final and one-point victory in the replay saw Monaghan meet Derry in the Ulster Senior Football Championship final. The first day against Armagh, Monaghan relied on pure luck to survive for a draw, as Armagh dominated the game from start to finish, doing everything but score. Paddy Linden saved a penalty, while and Armagh player saw the line barely 30 seconds after coming onto the field as a substitute, following an apparent high tackle on Declan Flanagan. The replay was a better match but a late Armagh goal had Monaghan concerned. However they won by 1-11 to 2-07.

In the Ulster final against Derry Eamon McEneaney helped himself to 2-04 as Monaghan recorded and easy 2-09 to 0-08 win. As stated the drawn All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry was a thriller but the absence of David Byrne through injury in the second half probably cost Monaghan victory. Eamon McEneaney's last gasp equaliser was something special but in the replay Kerry were ruthless and despite serious Monaghan pressure the Kingdom won by 5 points. Monaghan's run that year was something special considering the fact that they were missing Declan Loughman, Gerry Hoey and Bernie Murray (all with broken legs). All three were prominent in the National Football League win over Armagh while they would form the spine of the Ulster Senior Football Championship winning side of 1988. It could be argued that with these three players on board, Monaghan could have won the All-Ireland in 1985. Certainly their absence robbed the team of vital strength in depth.

They reached the 1986 National Football League final but this time the opposition was Laois. Played in front of over 30,000 supporters the Laoismen edged out Monaghan by 2-06 to 2-05. Monaghan's championship run in 1986 consisted of a draw against Down in Castleblayney thanks to a last gap Eamon McEneaney free while in the replay Down emerged victors in Newcastle on a 2-11 to 0-11 score. A promising season was over before it had begun.

In 1987, Monaghan reached the National Football League semi-final again where they played out a thrilling game against Kerry at Croke Park. A superb second half performance against the wind had Monaghan leading by a couple of points near the end but a Pat Spillane goal and a late point by Mikey Sheehy saw the Kingdom win by 2-11 to 2-09. Monaghan's goals came from Mick O'Dowd and Hugo Clerkin. Disappointment followed in the Ulster championship with a shock 0-14 to 0-12 loss to Cavan in Breffni Park. The early promise of 1985 looked over as two successive seasons of flattering to deceive left the county in a state of gloom.

In 1988, the team reached the National Football League semi-final again but ended in a 4-12 to 1-08 drubbing from Dublin at Croke Park. However a good league run prior to that had rescued a season where relegation to Division 2 of the National Football League looked a distinct possibility. A change in management during that league run also added to the merit of the achievement. The 1988 All Ireland semi-final against Cork was even less memorable. Monaghan were holding out against a gale force wind in the first half and were 0-08 to 0-01 behind at the break. Goalkeeper Paddy Linden had saved a penalty from Larry Tompkins. Two early second half points brought Monaghan to within 5 points. A highly controversial goal following an apparent foul on Monaghan's Brendan Murray rocked the Monaghan revival and Cork took over. Linden's display in that match was a significant factor in him being the first Ulster goalkeeper to receive an All-star award that year. As stated the game was decided when Cork scored a dubious goal and the All-Ireland dream died again. With that defeat, the successful team of the mid 80s started to break up.

However 1988 will be remembered for the Ulster title win over Tyrone when a "Nudie" Hughes goal following a fumble by Tyrone keeper Aidan Skelton saw Monaghan win by 1-10 to 0-11. An interesting facet of this particular game was that all Monaghan's scores came from play. Previous wins over Cavan (0-16 to 0-14), again marked by a 5 star performance from Nudie Hughes and Down (1-11 to 0-09) had brought Monaghan to the Ulster final.

In 1989 Monaghan scraped home with an 0-08 to 0-05 win against Antrim in Casement Park, Belfast, where the homesters literally kicked the game away. Down ended Monaghan's run in Castleblayney a few weeks later.

The 1990s and early part of the 2000s were lean years for the county. Notable wins in that period were championship successes over Donegal in 1995 and defending All-Ireland champions Armagh in 2003. They won the Dr McKenna Cup in 1995 against Derry and in 2003 against Tyrone.

Another noticeable effort was a dramatic second half display against Derry in 1992, which saw a 9-point deficit hauled back to earn a draw. Wins were also recorded over Antrim in 1990 and Cavan in 1993 and 1994. After losses to Fermanagh in 1999 and 2000, a win over them was recorded in 2001.

The National Football League run of 1998 was also memorable for Monaghan when they surprisingly qualified from a "group of death" that included Tyrone, Dublin, Kerry, Cavan and Sligo to qualify for the quarter-finals against Down in Croke Park. Behind at one stage early in the second half by 1-05 to 0-02, the Down goal scored by James Mc Cartan, a rousing rally with goals by Darren Swift and Stephen Mc Ginnitty and a spectacular individual point by Peter Duffy saw Monaghan cause a mild surprise with a 2-05 to 1-06 win. The semi final against Derry was less memorable and defeat on a score of 1-12 to 0-08 was the result. The game had a bit of controversy too when a Mark Daly goal was disallowed and a Monaghan player was sent off. It set the tone for a niggly Ulster Senior Football Championship meeting between both sides a few weeks later. Monaghan's Edwin Murphy was sent off on the advice of a linesman but video evidence subsequently cleared him. However it didn't stop Monaghan suffering a heavy defeat on the day to Derry.

1999 was even less memorable at senior level, the big highlight being the county U-21 side winning the Ulster championship with a final success over Donegal thanks to a last gasp super point from Kieran Tavey. The run ended with a 2-10 to 0-08 defeat to eventual champions Westmeath in Croke Park.

At minor level there was an upsurge in fortunes with the county U-18 team reaching the Ulster minor league finals in 2000 and 2002 losing to Tyrone on both occasions by a point. The Ulster championship final was reached in 2001 for the first time in 18 years when a splendid effort fell short with a 2-13 to 0-13 defeat again to Tyrone. A missed penalty late on when only 4 points separated the sides was a big blow, however on reflection it was Monaghan's misfortune to meet Tyrone sides that would backbone their senior All-Ireland winning sides of 2003 and 2005. In 2001 the counties Vocational Schools team won the Ulster and All-Ireland championships.

2005 was another memorable year for the county when they contested the Division 2 National Football League final against Meath at Croke Park. However it took a last gasp point from Paul Finlay in the final league game against Longford in Clones to earn a draw and automatic promotion to Division 1 for the first time in 18 years. The league semi final against Derry in Clones was also a thriller from a Monaghan perspective. A goal within 15 seconds of the throw in by Tommy Freeman set Monaghan on their way and despite Rory Woods being sent off Monaghan held out for a 1-13 to 1-11 win.

The NFL Division 2 final was a thrilling ding dong battle between two well match sides and was full of top drawer scores. It had the 40,000+ crowd on their feet from start to finish. Fortunes ebbed and flowed between both sides and in injury time Meath looked like holding onto a 2-point victory. However a Paul Finlay free with the last kick of the game (sounds familiar) from 40 yards out was deflected into the Meath net by a Meath player and Monaghan edged out 3-13 to 3-12 winners. This game preceded the National Football League final which saw Armagh overcome Wexford to gain their first league title. This marked Monaghan's first visit to Croke Park in 7 years, that resulting in a 1-12 to 0-08 defeat in a National Football League league semi-final to Derry back in 1998.

Derry gained revenge in the Ulster Senior Football Championship with a 1-17 to 2-08 win, but "back door" wins over London, Wexford and Louth brought Monaghan to a last 12 meeting with eventual All-Ireland champions Tyrone in Croke Park. In a very entertaining game the tactic of isolating Tommy Freeman up front caused havoc for Tyrone in the first 25 minutes as they leaked 1-05, the goal a spectacular effort from Freeman. However a shrewd management move from Tyrone resulted in a player being brought back to double mark Freeman and the Farney threat was quashed. On the day Monaghan had no plan "B" and Tyrone took over. They ran out flattering 2-14 to 1-07 winners in the end, limiting Monaghan to a single point from a free in the second half. All the pre-match hype surrounded the question as to whether or not Tyrone's Ryan McMenamin would be playing, having been suspended following an incident in the Ulster final. He missed the game but later returned for the quarter-final against Dublin. Freeman's exploits in the summer of 2005 brought him an All-star nomination and an "Irish News" Ulster All star award on the "40".

2006 saw Monaghan compete in Division 1A of the National Football League but apart from a win over Dublin and a draw with Offaly, there was little else to celebrate despite battling displays against Kerry and Tyrone and relegation followed in the spring. The season ended in the championship qualifiers with a desperately poor display against Wexford resulting in an 0-08 to 0-06 defeat. The Dr McKenna Cup final was also reached early in the year but ended in a heavy defeat by Tyrone. The Ulster championship started with a 0-10 to 0-10 draw against eventual Ulster champions Armagh in rain soaked Clones. Six days later Armagh emerged victorious on a 1-13 to 0-10 score, the main difference between the sides being that Armagh took their chances and Monaghan didn't. Two missed goal opportunities on the day proved costly. A 2-19 to 3-05 win over Wicklow in the qualifiers saw Monaghan meet Wexford in Clones in what was probably the worst game of 2006. The continuous rain and wet conditions didn't help but it was the performance of the referee that grabbed the headlines on the day. Wexford who had Matty Forde controversially on board following an incident against Offaly for which he would be subsequently suspended won out by 0-08 to 0-06 and thus Monaghan's year ended on a dismal note.

2007

2007 saw Monaghan compete in Division 2A of the National Football League. A backroom clean out of trainers and selectors didn't augur well but the introduction of Tyrone native Martin Mc Elkennon to the Oriel set up proved to be a master stroke by Seamus Mc Eneaney for the year ahead. A straight run of seven successive victories in matches away to Roscommon and home to Longford and Carlow and away to Clare and away trips to London and home to Offaly and away to Leitrim were fashioned out of great work ethic and spirit and no little skill. The semi-final match is against Meath. The Ulster Championship saw Monaghan play in the quarter final against the winners of Cavan and Down; who meet in the preliminary round. If successful there they would play the winners of Derry and Antrim in the semi-final. Having avoided the "big 2" namely Armagh and Tyrone, this was viewed as Monaghan's best chance of reaching an Ulster final for the first time in 19 years. However, in recent seasons they had flattered to deceive and have disappointed their supporters when something big was expected from them. This was a big year for the Farney county. Monaghan reached the Dr McKenna Cup semi-final where they suffered a heavy defeat to Tyrone under floodlights in Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan on February 13, 2007. They had initially qualified from Section A of the competition as runners up to Armagh.

National Football League Division 2A

Monaghan enjoyed a fantastic run in the National Football League, winning all their 7 games. The platforms for both successes against Roscommon, Longford and Carlow were excellent first half displays where big scoring returns were racked up. The second half display against Clare was probably the best of the season so far. Next up was an away trip to London which Monaghan easily won by 0-16 to 1-05. The game against Offaly in the penultimate round in Clones could well be called the defining match in the group. As it turned out it was and a last gasp Paul Meegan point in injury time was enough to give Monaghan a 0-13 to 0-12 win, guaranteeing them a semi final place as table toppers and an all important position in the revamped Division 2 in 2008. This was achieved with a game in hand against Leitrim which was scheduled for April 15 and won by Monaghan on a 1-14 to 2-10 score. The league semi-final against Meath was played in Croke Park and it was a disaster for the Farney men as two early Meath goals gave them a cushion that they built a winning platform on. Despite the early concession of 2 goals within the first 3 minutes Monaghan dominated and could have been in front at half time but instead went in 2-04 to 0-05 in arrears. The concession of a third goal early in the second half settled matters and despite a late Monaghan rally Meath emerged winners on a 3-10 to 0-12 score. This game asked more questions than it answered and it was obvious from this game that Monaghan's full back line and team in general needed a major overhaul prior to the Ulster championship meeting against Down in Newry on June 10.

Ulster Senior Football Championship

Páirc Esler in Newry was the venue for Monaghan's first game of the Ulster championship where they faced a Down team who had disposed of Cavan in the preliminary round after a replay. This was the day Ciarán Hanratty announced his arrival on the county stage with a 2-goal salvo which inspired Monaghan to a 2-15 to 1-15 success. The defence had tightened up considerably and a couple of late fantastic points by Paul "Jap" Finlay near the end were other highlights in a resolute display in front of 17,000 vocal onlookers. The semi final against Derry in Casement Park on June 24 was also another triumph for Monaghan as they easily defeated Derry by 0-14 to 1-09. The scoreline doesn't in any reflect Monaghan's superiority on the day as they stuck to a rigid game plan and easily disposed of a fancied Derry side. The news that Paul Finlay wouldn't play any part due to illness proved no handicap to Monaghan and his replacement Rory Woods game a tigerish display on the "45" bringing much needed bulk and skill to trouble Derry's vaunted defence. The only disappointment on the day was the lack of credit given to the victors as the media seemed to concentrate solely on Derry's poor display when in fact credit should be given to Monaghan for playing them off the green carpet that was Casement Park. The final set for July 15 in the home of Ulster football that is Clones was between Monaghan and Tyrone, ironically the same pairing as 1988 when Monaghan recorded their last Ulster Senior Football Championship success and final appearance. Tyrone were favourites in everyone's eyes for this game but in the Oriel county there was an inner belief that their side could upset the formbook and win a title that seemed so unlikely in January 2007. Sales of Monaghan jerseys, flags and anything white and blue went through the roof as the county lit up in anticipation of a great day out. The question on everyone's lips was whether or not Paul Finlay would be cleared by the medical experts to play some part on a stage he was born to grace. He was awaiting results for a viral infection and up to the throw in no-one apart from the doctors treating him, the team management, players and Finlay's family was sure what the diagnosis was. Monaghan folk crossed their fingers in the hope this talented lad would get his chance to play in an Ulster senior football final- an arena he deserved to be part of. In the end Finlay started the match: a match which Tyrone won by a scoreline of 1-15 to 1-13. However the scoreline doesn't tell the story of a cracking match which at one stage had Monaghan trailing by 8 points. A cracking goal by Philip Jordan after 6 minutes put Tyrone in the driving seat but slowly and surely Monaghan came back to trail by 1-08 to 0-07 at half time. Another strong Tyrone rally at the start of the second half put Tyrone on their way. Monaghan goaled in the 51st minute through Tommy Freeman and a succession of high balls on a beleaguered Tyrone defence saw Monaghan plunder the scores to leave just 3 points in it going into injury time. Monaghan had numerous chances to level the game but they had to settle for an injury time point from converted full back Vincent Corey whose switch from No. 3 to No 14 was the catalyst for the Farney fightback. Alas it was a case of too little too late and Tyrone edged out winners by 2 points.

ULSTER SENIOR FOOTBALL C'SHIP 2013 In the 2013 championship, Monaghan were handed a "favorable" draw. They were drawn against Antrim in the first round in Casement Park, Belfast. Monaghan had previously brushed aside the Antrim men in the National League. Monaghan started shakily and took a while to get going. They survived some scares but the free taking of Conor McManus powered them over the line 0-11 to 0-6. In the Ulster semi final Monaghan were pitted against local neighbours Cavan. The game was a tight affair with both teams trading scores tit for tat. In the end it finished on a score of 1-11 to 0-13. Coming into the final Monaghan faced the reigning Ulster and All Ireland Champions, Donegal. Nobody had given Monaghan a hope coming into to the final but the Farney men took the Tir Chonaill boys by surprise rushing into a 4-0 lead while also keeping Donegal scoreless for 32 minutes. Drew Wylie and Colin Walshe were outstanding marking Colm McFadden and Paddy Mcbrearty respectively. At half time Monaghan led 05-02. Despite the 3 point advantage Donegal were still much fancied but Kieran Hughes stuck over 3 quick points in succession to buffer the Farney Men's advantage. With Vinny Corey's rough housing of Michael Murphy, Donegal failed to get going. Monaghan beat Donegal at their own game using the blanket defence system while Darren Hughes and Conor McManus remained outstanding. It was tight up until the last 10 minutes when Monaghan added some scores to put a gloss on the scoreline. Tommy Freeman one of the greatest servants of Monaghan coming off the bench and firing over the last point. At the end of the game Monaghan had won their first Ulster Senior Football Championship in 25 years.This result was coupled with the Minors superb comeback win earlier in the day defeating Tyrone to complete an historic double. At the final whistle there were scenes of unrivaled joy as Owen Lennon lifted the Anglo Celt Cup as no Monaghan Captain had done for 25 years.

All-Ireland qualifiers

It was the qualifiers next and Monaghan were drawn against Donegal in Healy Park in Omagh. This was probably Monaghan's finest display of the year as they humiliated the National League Division One champions by 8 points in a game they dominated from start to finish. Superb displays by Dessie Mone, Eoin Lennon, Tommy Freeman and man of the match Vincent Corey were chief factors in a 2-12 to 1-07 win which saw the Donegal manager retire afterwards but in August 2007 it appeared as if he may rescind that decision according to newspaper reports. Donegal on the night had simply no answer to Monaghan's power, passion, poise and frightening will to win as the Tír Chonnail men reverted to type and fell away long before the end.

All-Ireland quarter-final

The quarter final draws were made as Monaghan entered this arena for the first time since the qualifiers were started. They were drawn against Kerry and Croke Park was named as the venue as part of a triple header involving a minor hurling semi final involving Tipperary and Kilkenny and a senior hurling semi-final involving Waterford and Limerick.

The game was fixed for August 12, 2007, almost 22 years to the day that Eamon Mc Eneaney earned his place in Monaghan folklore for a massive equalising point against the same opposition who were as now defending all-Ireland champions. Monaghan were raging outsiders against the Kingdom where the defending champions were odds on to stroll to a semi final against Dublin. Monaghan started on fire with points from Rory Woods and Tommy Freeman. A 7th-minute penalty was awarded to Monaghan when Ciáran Hanratty was dragged down whilst bearing in on the Kerry goals. Tommy Freeman coolly stuck the ball away to give Monaghan a commanding lead in front of 80,000 spellbound spectators. However Kerry fought back to parity at the interval on a 0-08 to 1-05 score.

The second half was a thrilling affair and despite the concession of a slack goal Monaghan led by 2 points entering the final 8 minutes. However a combination of panic and inexperience both on the field and on the line told as Kerry fought back to level terms and go a point in front with a minute left. Monaghan strived might and main for an equalising point but a series of missed passes and downright hard luck proved to be their downfall. It ended in heartbreak on a score of Kerry 1-12, Monaghan 1-11.

A standing ovation was given by the Monaghan supporters to a team that in the words of their manager had left everything they had on the pitch. They gave their all but just came up short. That ended Monaghan's run of 2007 but in terms of the previous 2 decades what a run it was. The county was buzzing again, everywhere was a sea of blue and white and people were proud of their team once more.

Afterwards manager Séamus McEnaney vowed they would be back again in 2008 and as a unit all Monaghan folk hoped they would be, especially team coach/trainer Martin Mc Elkennon, who brought this group from a bunch of also-rans to a team of great potential. On reflection this game was one that got away as it was there for the taking. The only plus was that it meant we were good enough to have beaten anyone in Ireland but Kerry. It also showed this group of players that they could indeed compete with the best.

Kerry though went back home to the south to prepare for a semi-final meeting with Dublin on August 26 which they duly won by 1-15 to 0-16 to qualify for the final against Munster rivals Cork. This turned out to be a complete mismatch as the Kingdom crushed a very weak Rebel side without ever slipping into top gear.

The eventual champions were quoted many times in the immediate aftermath that their joust with Monaghan had brought them on in leaps and bounds and steeled them sufficiently for the tests against Dublin and Cork. For Monaghan it was a case of a lot done and more to do. Martin Mc Elkennon had the team in superb shape, a fact that received comments from throughout the country. Hopes were high that he would stay on board for 2008 as he was the key to success.

The hopes of the county were realised when Mc Eneaney, Mc Elkennon and Trappe decided to stay on board for 2008 and this was ratified by the county committee in September 2007. The only retiree was kit man Michael Mc Kenna who stepped down for work reasons. A big miss to a solid team. Mc Eneaney promised to freshen things up and raise the bar again for 2008, a year that Monaghan fans are looking forward to with relish. The year finished with Monaghan being awarded 7 Irish News Ulster GAA all-stars but more significantly a Vodafone All-star award for Thomas Freeman at right corner forward. As well as that he was chosen as the Irish News and Ulster GAA writers Ulster gaelic football player of the year. Manager Seamus Mc Eneaney picked up the Ulster GAA writers personality of the year award as well to end 2007 on a high note.

Current football squad

• Manager: Malachy O'Rourke
• Selectors: Finbarr Fitzpatrick, Leo McBride
• Strength & Conditioning coach: Ryan Porter

Squad as per Monaghan vs Cavan, 2015 Ulster Senior Football Championship, Quarter Final, 21 May 2015

Under 21s

The under-21 side also managed by the senior team management reached the Ulster final following emphatic wins against Cavan and Fermanagh respectively. They played Armagh in the final on April 14 and after a good showing they lost out to a late Armagh resurgence on a 1-16 to 1-09 score. The seven-point victory flattered the winners on the day as Monaghan were level with minutes to go.

Honours

^[1]

• All-Ireland Vocational Schools Championships: 2
  • 2001, 2009
• All-Ireland Junior Football Championships: 1
  • 1956
• National Football League Division 1: 1
  • 1985
• National Football League Division 2: 2
  • 2005, 2014
• National Football League Division 3: 1
  • 2013
• Ulster Senior Football Championships: 16
  • 1888, 1906, 1914, 1916, 1917, 1921, 1922, 1927, 1929, 1930, 1938, 1979, 1985, 1988, 2013, 2015
• All-Ireland Junior "B": 1
  • 1998
• Ulster Under-21 Football Championships: 3
  • 1981, 1999, 2016^[2]
• Ulster Minor Football Championships: 4
  • 1939, 1940, 1945, 2013
• Dr. McKenna Cups: 13
  • 1928, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1937, 1948, 1952, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1995, 2003
• Dr Lagan Cups: 1
  • 1951

^[3]

All Stars

Monaghan have 9 All Stars.

• 1979: Eugene "Nudie" Hughes
• 1985: Eugene "Nudie" Hughes (2nd All Star)
• 1985: Ciarán Murray
• 1986: Ray Mc Carron
• 1988: Eugene "Nudie" Hughes (3rd)
• 1988: Paddy Linden
• 2007: Tomás Freeman
• 2013: Colin Walshe
• 2013: Conor McManus
• 2015: Conor McManus

Hurling

Gaelic football is the dominant GAA sport in Monaghan but the county also competes in hurling

Honours

• All-Ireland Junior Hurling Championships: 1
  • 1997
• Ulster Senior Hurling Championships: 2
  • 1914, 1915
• Ulster Junior Hurling Championships: 6
  • 1971, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1997, 1998
• National Hurling League Division 4
  • 2008, 2010

Ladies' Gaelic football

Vourneen Quigley won the 2002 ladies' All-Ireland Kick Fada Championship.

Honours

• All-Ireland Senior Ladies' Football Championships: 2
  • 1996, 1997
• All-Ireland Under-18 Ladies' Football Championships: 3
  • 1994, 1995, 1999
• All-Ireland Junior Ladies' Football Championships: 1
  • 1992
• All-Stars (Ladies football)
  • Jenny Greenan 7 (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002)
  • Brenda Mc Anespie 3 (1996, 1997, 1999)
  • Edel Byrne 3 (1998, 1999, 2002)
  • Niamh Kindlon 2 (1998, 2002)
  • Mairead Kelly 2(1996, 1997)
  • Margaret Kierans 2 (1996, 1998)
  • Christine O' Reilly 2 (2004, 2011)
  • Ciara McAnespie 2 (2009, 2011)
  • Linda Farrelly 1 (1996)
  • Angela Larkin 1 (1997)
  • Elieen Mc Elvaney 1 (1998)
  • Orla Callan 1 (2002)
  • Therese McNally 1 (2011)
  • Grainne McNally 2 (2011, 2013)
  • Christina Reilly 1 (2012)
  • Cathriona McConnell 1 (2012)
  • Sharon Courtney 1 (2013)
  • Caoimhe Mohan 1 (2013)
  • Cora Courtney 1 (2013)

Camogie

Felix Donnelly from Latton established the first camogie county board in Monaghan in 1933. Anne Sherry from Ballybay was a high scoring forward on the UCD Ashbourne Cup winning team in 1961.

Monaghan won the Máire Ní Chinnéide Cup in 2010^[4][5] and 2011^[6] having unsuccessfully contested the finals of 2006^[7] and 2007.^[8] Mary Lynch served as president of the Camogie Association). Bernie Byrne refereed the All Ireland senior finals of 1966.

Under Camogie's National Development Plan 2010-2015, “Our Game, Our Passion,”^[9] Donegal, Kerry, Mayo and Monaghan are to get a total of 14 new clubs by 2015.^[10]

References

General

• The Monaghan Gael by Seamus McCluskey 1967.
• Monaghan GAA Centenary History by Seamus McCluskey, 1984.
• Emyvale GAA History by Seamus McCluskey, 1984.
• The memory of a loyal Monaghan GAA supporter.

Specific

External links

• Monaghan GAA site
• Monaghan on Hoganstand.com
• National and provincial titles won by Monaghan teams
• Monaghan GAA Forum